Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as its first woman prime minister, marking a significant change in the country’s political history following the September parliamentary election.

King Mohammed VI appointed El Mansouri on September 29 and asked her to form a new government. Her appointment came after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in the September 23 parliamentary election, winning 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives.

First Woman to Lead Morocco’s Government

El Mansouri, 50, is a lawyer and experienced Moroccan politician. She previously served as mayor of Marrakesh and as the country’s minister responsible for urban planning, housing and related policy.

Her appointment makes her the first woman to hold the prime minister’s position in Morocco and the second woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.

PAM Wins Most Seats

The appointment followed Morocco’s latest legislative election, in which PAM finished first with 97 seats.

The National Rally of Independents won 66 seats, while the Istiqlal Party secured 65. The Justice and Development Party won 54 seats after having held only 13 seats in the previous election.

Because PAM does not have enough seats to govern alone, El Mansouri must negotiate with other parties to establish a parliamentary coalition.

Coalition Talks Begin

Forming the new government will be one of El Mansouri’s first major tasks.

The new prime minister has indicated that coalition negotiations can involve different political parties, while the PJD has announced that it intends to remain in opposition.

The final composition of the government will require approval through Morocco’s constitutional process.

Economic and Social Challenges

The new government takes office amid concerns over employment, living costs and public services, particularly among younger Moroccans.

The government will also oversee major infrastructure and development projects connected with Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain.

The World Cup preparations are expected to involve large-scale investments in transport, stadiums, tourism and other infrastructure.

Political Significance

El Mansouri’s appointment gives Morocco a new female head of government at a time when women have been gaining greater representation in senior public positions.

Her previous experience in local government and national administration is expected to play an important role as she begins negotiations over the coalition and prepares the government’s policy programme.

The election also produced a significant shift in parliamentary representation, with PAM moving into first place while the RNI experienced substantial losses and the PJD increased its representation.

A New Phase for Morocco

The formation of El Mansouri’s government will determine how the new parliamentary balance translates into government policy.

Her administration will face the combined challenges of economic management, youth employment, public services and preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

Her appointment has already established a historic milestone: Morocco now has its first woman prime minister.